As soon as our weather app shows brighter and warmer forecasts, we pack away our winter wardrobes and fill our closets with light layers and the pastel color palettes of spring. It's the end of cozy hibernation and the beginning of sunshiny days, along with the anticipation of nights out with loved ones instead of Netflix and chill evenings.
An uptick in social events means going-out ensembles are a necessity. Whether you're spending your free time with your boo or bestie, you might want to shop your closet and put together essentials to ensure you're prepared at a minute's notice.
Ahead, stylists and fashion experts share the spring date night outfits they're most excited about, and their creative ideas do not disappoint.
Try a Vest
"Because vests are 'structured' (not loose and floppy like a T-shirt), they tend to be flattering to many body types and hide imperfections in your middle. Perhaps that's why they've been a staple in menswear for literally hundreds of years! Take this trend and run with it for date night — pair a vest with jeans, heels, and a clutch. Brighten it up with a statement earring and a bold lip to add a colorful touch to your menswear-inspired look." — Los Angeles-based celebrity stylist Abby Arad
Go Easy, Breezy with a Romper or Pantsuit
"I don't think rompers or jumpsuits get enough attention when it comes to date night ideas! We always want to go for the easy thing, denim or dresses, but a romper is great for a little in-between. They pair well with heels or sneakers, and they're comfy!" — Style therapist Christina Stein
Rock a Linen Dress with Minimal Jewels
"If I were styling an outfit for date night, I would pair a mid-shin fitted linen strapless dress in an ivory color with a golden beige color open toe kitten heel sandal. For jewelry, I would wear a stud diamond earring or small gold hoop with layered simple bracelets and a medium-sized woven bag. — Caitlin Jaymes, CEO and founder of Caitlin Jaymes Organizing & Styling
Opt for Relaxed Jeans and T-Shirt 'Fit
"Vintage jeans with a baby tee and cute shoulder bag. I prefer Levi's 550 relaxed fit Mom jeans with a cute small women's baby T-shirt, and you can't go wrong with a pointed-toe pump to dress it up a bit!" — Celebrity stylist Siena Montesano
Look Cool, Calm, and Collected in Loose-Leg Jeans
"For something effortlessly cool, comfortable, and still sexy, I love the idea of a slinky tee-style bodysuit (silk or viscose) with higher-waisted ecru or ivory loose-leg jeans and an uber minimalist heeled sandal (black could lend a striking and unexpected tone for the evening). Another sleek minimalist option is a crisp white midi-length dress paired with a bold mule in a vibrant spring color like pink or green." — Personal stylist Bryn Taylor
Make It a Menswear Moment
"A menswear shirt, worn as a dress with stockings or a onesie, with a statement heel and a menswear necktie. Then add a pop of color with a fedora and polish off with a red lip. [Another option is a] menswear-inspired cinched shirt worn oversized with a pair of high-rise super short shorts, stockings as an underlayer, a western bolo, and a statement pump." — 7 for All Mankind's vice president of women's design and trends, Lisa Virtue
Stay On-Trend with a Y2K-Inspired Look
"Romantic Grunge, the juxtaposition of edgy textures and softer elements — think feminine florals and ruffles — is effortlessly cool. Style a floral midi dress with a leather moto jacket or top leather pants with a romantic ruffle top. You'll feel tough and femme at the same time. A winning combo for date night." — Afterpay brand ambassador and E! Entertainment host Zanna Roberts Rassi
Feel Sexy in Silk
"Silky tops are a must-have for any date night wardrobe. They are versatile layering pieces that can be paired with leather or denim for a chic and stylish look." — Founder and creative director of Ramy Brook, Ramy Brook Sharp
Stick to Light Layers in Cool Weather
"My go-to approach has been to lean on layers — and add a little bit of flair. Recently, my flair has come in the form of a knit miniskirt featuring a fabulous fringe hemline. I pair it with my favorite cashmere sweater, tights, and knee-high boots." — Founder and CEO of M.M.LaFleur, Sarah LaFleur
Wear a Sultry Slip Dress
"For the dinner date, a sexy double silk slip dress in tobacco with a fitted cream tailor blazer in silk with contrast stitches in black, strappy heels and a playful mini clutch, and, most of all, your own radiant beauty of yourself." — Designer, Diego Binetti
Add a Pop of Leather
"Faux leather is the perfect date night choice in warmer weather. Just make sure to pair it with seasonally appropriate tops, like a silk cami or an edgy rocker tee. A vegan leather pant is an ideal option, cut with a wide leg and cropped to perfection ... it looks good with heels or flats, depending on the mood of the evening." — Co-founder and designer of I Love Tyler Madison, Jacqueline Harris